WEST AFTER SCHOOL CENTER
NEWS & OPINION

June 2008

Our mission is to provide opportunities that enrich the educational, social, and cultural experiences of students and families in our community.

620 Garfield Avenue, Lancaster, OH  43130  --    740-653-5678  --  740-653-2402 FAX

Attention all Students — Join Us for Lunch Starting June 3

Plan now to take advantage of the free summer lunch program being offered Monday-Friday during the summer months, 11:30-12:30 p.m. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded program that provides meal reimbursement to child care centers for serving nutritious meals. The objectives of CACFP are to:

· Improve the diets of children by providing nutritious meals.

· Help children develop good eating habits that will last through the years.

Again, ANY CHILD under age 18 can participate, regardless of enrollment status for the school lunch program.  The Summer Lunch Program will be expanded to Cedar Heights, South, and Tallmadge Schools this summer, thanks to grants received from the Governor’s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives and the Children’s Hunger Alliance. Besides our center, lunch serving sites will be open at the Eastside Center for Success (East School), the Robert K. Fox Family YMCA, Cedar Heights, Tallmadge, and South Elementary Schools.

Email:  pyoung@westafterschoolcenter.org

Visit us at www.westafterschoolcenter.org

Dr. Paul G. Young, Executive Director

Mrs. Jane Hart, Student & Family Coordinator

Mrs. Julie Bibler, Tutoring Program Administrator

Mrs. Chris Kuttler, Office Manager

Tallmadge Before and After Child Care (Tallmadge Community Learning Center)

       Barring any unidentified obstacles, the West After School Center will expand child care services to the Tallmadge Elementary attendance area for the 2008-2009 school year. An initial needs assessment  and parent survey have shown significant interest in both before and after school care as well as extended kindergarten opportunities. Families that qualify for Title XX childcare support can enroll under a co-pay system developed with Fairfield County Job and Family Services. Participation rates will be made as affordable as possible.  We are pleased to be working in the Tallmadge area and to further expand our mission and address needs within the city of Lancaster.
 

SUMMER CHILDCARE at the WASC

The West After School Center is accepting applications for its summer childcare program (safe, clean, affordable, and air-conditioned). The center will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to accommodate the needs of working parents (based on adequate participation levels during those hours). Meals and snacks will be included in the weekly cost of the care. Any school age child (entering grades 1-6) from Lancaster or surrounding areas may register. Families that are eligible for Title XX benefits may have a portion or all of their weekly costs reduced. This program service will begin Tuesday, June 3 and operate until Friday, August 15. The WASC will be closed July 4. Students will be able to participate in daily fun classes and activities at the WASC, take walking field trips, and maintain and advance their learning skills throughout the summer. To inquire about weekly costs, attendance requirements, and price breaks for siblings, contact Aime Azbell at the WASC, 653-5678. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The program can accept 54 students and about half those spots have already been reserved. Act now to reserve spots for your children.

The

WEST AFTER SCHOOL CENTER

at

TEN

May 22, 2008 

We had a wonderful event, saluting those who “believed” in what could be done to develop an independent community learning center. 

It was especially nice to have guests from the Ohio Department of Education and the original WASC Board of Directors. Former students returned and spent time with their former mentors. Building tours were conducted. A great event was enjoyed by all.

Krista Allison, Ohio Department of Education

Former volunteers checking out new technologies

Len and Rosemary Hajost, Ed Clum, Paul Young, Jack Wright, and Tim Huston

WASC President Lori Marinacci and

Paul Young

21st CCLC Consultant Kathy McWatters

Rosemary Hajost and Ed Clum

Trying Trumps Talent

Years ago, I encountered numerous students in the Ohio University School of Music that were, at first glance, much more talented than me. Most came to college with competent piano skills and years of private study on their major instrument as well as experience playing several others. In contrast, I attended a small, rural high school, never had private lessons, and felt very inadequate and inferior to my peers from the big cities who seemed to know much more. Midway through the first term, after receiving less than average marks from my professors, one unforgettable teacher took several of us aside, those who were his most challenged students, and offered to tutor us after class—with the condition that we would come ready to work. Fifteen of my peers and I accepted this professor’s offer.

As we entered the second year of college and the courses became more difficult, some of our talented peers also began to struggle. For some, it was the first time in their lives that they found mastering new learning skills to be difficult. It wasn’t that they were not talented—no doubt they were and always will be—but they lacked the ability to try harder and persevere when things get tough. Over time, many of them dropped out and changed majors. After fours years of studying a challenging curriculum, there were only fifteen music education majors that graduated—those same students who as freshmen had been challenged to work harder, and did!

My parents provided me all they could. They provided a solid foundation upon which to grow, but could provide little that could advance my musical training. Many people considered us to be poor. But like the students at the West After School Center, I richly benefited from the influence of numerous people in my life that remain valued and trusted mentors. Every child deserves as much.

By the design of the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) Grant Program, our staff and volunteers work with many challenged students after school. For our students, our staff and volunteers are that “unforgettable” mentor who encourages, guides, motivates, nurtures, and teaches vital skills. The influence these individuals have with young learners is priceless. Dr. Stewart, our unforgettable music teacher continued to influence, guide, and support his graduates well into their professional careers. He was always a phone call away when we needed help, advice, or just a friendly ear.

Employers are reporting that workers who are coachable, will take risks, work hard and stay at difficult tasks until they achieve mastery are more valued in the workplace than prodigies. They want workers that understand the difference between right and wrong, possess mature social skills, and don’t expect a sense of entitlement. Sometimes, the “B” student becomes a better employee because she has learned how to work to achieve along the way. We want all our students to achieve.

The Lancaster community is fortunate to have agencies such as the West After School Center where adults can freely enrich the educational, social, and cultural opportunities of children. Get involved, and help us teach kids the important, unforgettable benefits of trying. Paying forward for kids is a good investment. They will soon become adults that provide unforgettable care for us—and we know we will try their patience!                               

 - Paul Young, WASC Executive Director

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